I am pleased to know that there are efforts to remove the statue "Civic Virtue" from the prominent position it now holds at the corner of Union Turnpike and Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.

This was an action that the Center for Women and previous Queen's women had advocated for over 15 years ago when Queens President Claire Schulman was in office. At that time, she was also in favor of moving it, but to finance it would require extensive funds.

Since that time, other public officials have also expressed their wish for removal. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, former Congressman Anthony Weiner and Councilwomen Julius Ferraras, who is also head of the City Council’s Women's Issues Committee, have all joined the many who find it insulting to women.

We are happy to know that the family of MacMonnies is going to pay for the statue to be restored and moved to Green-Wood Cemetery. We look forward to a good resolution of what has been a contentious issue. We would be thrilled to see some work of art that celebrates the tremendous contribution of the outstanding women in public service, such as Geraldine Ferraro and the many other women that Queens has produced.